Most fans of the CyanogenMod custom ROMs are probably focused on the Android 4.0-based CyanogenMod 9. Just because that branch of development represents the latest direction the operating system is taking doesn’t mean that work will cease on releases based on earlier code. Maybe you’ve got an older phone that’s just not up to the task of handling Ice Cream Sandwich, but for whatever reason, you won’t be moving up to CM9. Worry not, for there are still plenty of new treats on the way for CM7 users, with the coming release of CyanogenMod 7.2.

The changelog for CM7.2 release candidate one shows support for a number of new phones, including quite a few LG models like the Optimus Black and 3D. Just because you’re not running Ice Cream Sandwich doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a taste of the ICS experience; CM7.2 will feature screen transition and rotation effects taken from ICS. Other benefits ported back to Gingerbread include phone-related fixes first introduced in Android 4.0.

You’ll also find expanded support for external hardware, like Bluetooth GPS receivers, and improved compatibility with USB mice and keyboards. WiFi performance gets a few bugfixes, there’s now a predictive dialer included, and the lockscreen’s been updated. It may not be Ice Cream Sandwich, but it sounds like the release will be a pretty decent alternative.